Dry and flaky skin after a tummy tuck

Dry, flaky skin can occur after a tummy tuck due to the stress from surgery, the swelling, and the garment.  It is ok to use moisturizer on the skin.  Avoid the suture line unless it is completely closed.  Contact your surgeon if you have concerns.

Sometimes skin that has been stressed by surgery and also was swollen can behave a bit differently from the norm.  It does frequently appear dry.  I allow patients to apply a moisturizing skin lotion after their incisions are fully healed and no longer raw in any way.  At some point it is expected (whether that be weeks or months down the road) for the skin to fully recover and appear normal.

Thank you for your question.It is not uncommon to have some skin changes after surgery. The skin will eventually go back to normal. I would advise asking your surgeon what they want you to use on the skin before putting anything near or on the incision. Good luck with healing.